Chocolate Nutella Cookie Magic

Meet your new favorite cookie - a chocolate masterpiece stuffed with creamy Nutella and rolled in crunchy hazelnuts. These cookies are incredibly soft with a gooey center that'll make your mouth water. Perfect for special treats or when you need a serious chocolate fix.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tuesday 03 December 2024
A close-up of two chocolate cookies stacked with a bite taken out of the top one, topped with melted chocolate, chopped hazelnuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
A close-up of two chocolate cookies stacked with a bite taken out of the top one, topped with melted chocolate, chopped hazelnuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Pin it
A close-up of two chocolate cookies stacked with a bite taken out of the top one, topped with melted chocolate, chopped hazelnuts, and a sprinkle of sea salt. | Recipesbyclare.com

My family can't get enough of this gingerbread swirl loaf. I created this recipe after years of testing gluten free baking and discovered the perfect combination of buttery texture and warm holiday spices. The marbled vanilla and gingerbread swirls make this cake absolutely gorgeous to serve at Christmas gatherings. Trust me when I say no one will believe it's gluten free.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There's something magical about a perfectly swirled loaf cake. I spent countless hours perfecting this recipe in my kitchen. The deep molasses gingerbread pairs beautifully with the light vanilla batter creating flavor memories that remind me of cozy winter afternoons. Each slice reveals a unique marbled pattern that makes this cake as beautiful as it is delicious.

What You'll Need

  • 2 cups gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum my favorite for achieving that perfect cake texture
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened I always leave mine out overnight for the best results
  • ¼ cup pure cane molasses which gives that classic gingerbread flavor
  • My signature spice blend of cinnamon ginger nutmeg allspice and cloves
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature is crucial

Let's Make The Magic Happen

Start With The Basics
Beat your butter and sugar until it turns light and fluffy about 3 to 5 minutes using your mixer
Time For Eggs
Add each egg one at a time mixing well between each one this makes the cake super tender
Mix It Together
Switch between adding your dry ingredients and milk starting and ending with dry ingredients mix until just combined
Create The Gingerbread
Take half your vanilla batter and stir in molasses and spices until smooth
Time to Swirl
Layer spoonfuls of batter in your lined 9×5 pan swirl with a knife and bake at 350°F for about an hour test with a toothpick for doneness
A close-up of two chocolate cookies, one partially bitten, topped with melted chocolate and chopped nuts, placed on parchment paper with whole nuts scattered around. Pin it
A close-up of two chocolate cookies, one partially bitten, topped with melted chocolate and chopped nuts, placed on parchment paper with whole nuts scattered around. | Recipesbyclare.com

My Secret Swirling Technique

I discovered that layering spoonfuls of each batter creates the most stunning marbled effect. When you swirl use light strokes with your knife and make sure to reach the bottom of the pan. This technique gives you those gorgeous swirls that make everyone ask for your recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days for longer storage.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well and store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why do we freeze the Nutella first?

Freezing the Nutella helps keep it from melting too quickly during baking. This creates that perfect gooey center when the cookies are done.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch processed?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder, but the cookies might be slightly less rich in color and have a different taste. Dutch processed gives these cookies their deep, dark chocolate flavor.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft, about 10-11 minutes. They'll continue cooking on the baking sheet as they cool.

Hazelnut Mudslide Cookies

Indulgent chocolate cookies filled with frozen Nutella and rolled in chopped hazelnuts. Soft, warm, and perfectly gooey - a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
11 Minutes
Total Time
31 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 7 Servings (7)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 7 tablespoon Nutella (plus extra for topping).
02 1/2 cup softened butter (salted or unsalted).
03 3/4 cup brown sugar.
04 2 tablespoon granulated sugar.
05 1 large egg (room temperature).
06 2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 1 1/4 cup flour.
08 1/2 cup dutch processed cocoa powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
10 1/4 teaspoon salt.
11 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts.

Instructions

Step 01

Scoop 7 tablespoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined plate. Freeze for 30 minutes until solid.

Step 02

Heat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 03

Mix butter and both sugars until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, blend well.

Step 04

Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.

Step 05

Form 7 equal dough balls. Flatten each, add frozen Nutella in center, fold edges over.

Step 06

Roll balls in chopped hazelnuts. Press to 1-inch thickness on baking sheet.

Step 07

Bake 10-11 minutes. Top with extra Nutella. Cool 20 minutes on sheet, then move to rack.

Notes

  1. Store in airtight container up to 4 days at room temp, or 7 days in fridge.
  2. Warm briefly in microwave before eating for gooey centers.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Nuts (hazelnuts).
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat/Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 481
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60g
  • Protein: 7g